What Are Hypoallergenic Foods? An Overview of Low Allergenicity Foods

"Hypo" simply means "less", and hypoallergenic foods refer to foods that are least likely to cause allergic reactions in humans. Hypoallergenic foods are also known as low allergenicity foods. These foods are typically recommended as first foods for babies, but they are also used in the so-called elimination diets which are designed to narrow down specific foods that may be causing food allergies.

An elimination diets involves removing any food or substance that is suspected of causing an allergy or intolerance from diet for a period of up to two to four weeks. If, after the elimination period, symptoms have cleared or improved significantly, the suspected foods and substances can be re-introduced to the diet, one food or substance at a time (the so-called "challenge" phase of the elimination diet). During this phase, the dieter systematically goes through all the suspected allergens, one by one, by consuming a suspect food or substance several times a day and then returning to the elimination diet for a few days. If his or her allergic reactions get worse during these days, the dieter may be allergic to the food or chemical that was re-introduced. Although an elimination diet is fairly simple to complete, the whole process can take several months. An alternative way to go about finding out which foods may trigger hives is to have an allergy test performed.

Common Hypoallergenic Foods

Below you find a list of foods that are generally considered hypoallergenic / have a low allergenity rating (i.e. they are less likely to cause allergic reactions than many other foods). The foods are listed by food type.

Note: Any food can cause an allergic reaction, including those listed below, if you are allergic to that food.

Hypoallergenic Recipes

Interested in delicious dishes that are composed of hypoallergenic foods and that are therefore generally suitable to be included in elimination diets designed to identify food allergens? Then check out the recipes below. You may also want to check out our section dedicated to recipes for fighting allergies, which not only provides recipes with hypoallergenic foods but which also includes recipes that contain foods that proactively fight allergies.

Buckwheat Pancakes with Bananas

Unlike the majority of pancake recipes, this recipe does not call for eggs, making this dish ideal for people who are allergic to eggs. All key ingredients in this divine dessert—buckwheat, bananas, and brown rice syrup—are considered hypoallergenic and are therefore safe for most (but not all) people with food sensitivities and allergies. See the Recipe

Quinoa Crepes with Applesauce

Quinoa is believed to be one of the least allergenic of all grains. Also applesauce is considered hypoallergenic. In addition, applesauce is rich in quercetin—a natural flavonoid that has been shown to provide protection against allergic reactions. Quercetin works its protective magic by stabilizing the cell membranes of mast cells and basophils, thereby preventing them from releasing histamine. See the Recipe

Chocolate Free "Chocolate" Pudding

Even if you are allergic to cocoa, you can still enjoy the mellow sweetness and enticing texture of a "chocolate" pudding – as long as it is made with carob, like this one! Carob flour, which is made from the pots of the carob tree, has a sweet, slightly cocoa-like flavor, but is considered hypoallergenic. Also the millet and dates featured in this dessert are unlikely to cause allergic reactions. See the Recipe

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Book You May Like

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